The Nigeria Government has inaugurated the National Malaria Strategic plan 2014-2020 which is to deliver appropriate malaria intervention to at least eighty percent of Nigeria’s population by 2020.

The plan, which was presented in Abuja, at an event to commemorate the 2015 World Malaria Day, would also ensure the test of all persons with suspected cases using microscope.

The National Coordinator, Malaria Elimination Programme of the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Nnenna Ezeigwe, who spelt out the objectives of the plan said the plan would also help Nigeria get to the pre-elimination stage of malaria.

Dr Ezeigwe said in the last few years, malaria interventions in Nigeria had led to reduction in maternal and child deaths, adding that effective implementation of the new strategic plan would end the decade of the disease in Nigeria.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mr. Linus Awute who represented the Minister of Health said the distribution of long lasting insecticidal nets across the country would further reduce the burden of malaria in the country.

Radio Nigeria Correspondent reports that the National Malaria Strategic Plan 2014-2020 is expected to gulp about four point one billion Naira.